Bezlotoxumab Injection : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More

Bezlotoxumab injection is used to lower the risk that Clostridium difficile infection (C. difficile or CDI; a type of bacteria that can cause severe or life-threatening diarrhea) will come back in people who are at high risk of getting an infection from C. difficile and that you are already taking an antibiotic to treat Clostridium difficile. Bezlotoxumab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by binding to the toxin C. difficile to stop its effects in the body.

Bezlotoxumab comes as a solution (liquid) that is injected intravenously (into a vein) over 60 minutes. Bezlotoxumab is given as a single dose by a doctor or nurse.

Bezlotoxumab injection does not replace antibiotic treatment for C. difficile infection; Continue your antibiotic treatment as directed by your doctor.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before receiving bezlotoxumab injection,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bezlotoxumab, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in bezlotoxumab infusion. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you closely for side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Bezlotoxumab injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• fever

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• swelling of the ankles, feet, leg, or stomach

La inyección de bezlotoxumab puede provocar otros efectos secundarios. Llame a su médico si tiene algún problema inusual mientras recibe este medicamento.

Si experimenta un efecto secundario grave, usted o su médico pueden enviar un informe en línea al programa MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting de la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA)  (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim collapsed, had a seizure, is having trouble breathing, or is unable to wake up, immediately call 911 for emergency services.

Keep all your appointments with your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about bezlotoxumab injection.

It is important that you keep a written list of all prescription and over-the-counter (over-the-counter) medications you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should take this list with you every time you visit a doctor or if you go into hospital. It is also important information to take with you in case of emergencies.

Brand Names